• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

What year is my block?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chuckies-Warhorse
  • Start date Start date Dec 5, 2012

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 5, 2012
#1
  • Dec 5, 2012
  • #1
It came out of a 1991 GT,but don't think it's original. I can't find a positive answer anywhere!!!
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 5, 2012
#2
  • Dec 5, 2012
  • #2
F1 means 1991.


Depending on when ford made a revision to the block, the oldest it could be is circa 1991


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 6, 2012
#3
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #3
Thanks for getting back with me so quickly!!! That's what I had initially thought Mustang5L5. After going through several decoding sites and even reading that Ford didn't cast any newer blocks until the 94- 95 model years?, that the numbers on my block actually was used for 91-93. Was even reading that ALL XXX blocks were either production and/or replacement engines. I wish someone could point me the right direction on literature,or just know what is or isn't right.
Thanks again
Charlie
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 6, 2012
#4
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #4
The F1SE block is very common. It was originally engineered for a 1991 Thunderbird (F1S = 1991 Thunderbird) but it was used in other models. The '91+ Mustang also used that block. It's a roller block.

If you want to know exactly what vehicle the engine came from, you need to locate the partial VIN that is stamped on the flat area on the top rear, right behind where the lower intake manifold would sit. If it's original, it will match your cars VIN


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 6, 2012
#5
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #5
That's the problem...there aren't any stampings in/or around that location. Only codes on the block are what I posted and the XXX inside the lifter valley,and it is a roller block. I was under the impression that it was a replacement engine. Maybe warranty issue,not sure...
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Dec 6, 2012
#6
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #6
Why so much interest? A roller block is a roller block, it was almost completely unchanged from 1985-2000 when they stopped production.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 6, 2012
#7
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #7
XXX (or YYY on some engines) does not specify original or replacement engine. I've seen plenty of originals with XXX (like my own)


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 6, 2012
#8
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #8
My interest is knowledge...plain and simple. Wasn't implying that XXX was a replacement. If it's a possible original then why NO partial VIN code @ the rear of the block? There are no grind marks and I've switched it over to carb. I looked it all over before taking to the machine shop and haven't missed any markings.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 6, 2012
#9
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #9
If no VIN, then it's possible the engine was replaced. If done so by Ford, it would be a rebuilt long block. If you call a local dealer with the VIN they might be able to tell you the service history
 
Reactions: ratio411

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 6, 2012
#10
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #10
Were there any numbers cast on the flat pad above the starter, behind the engine mount?

As for possible original parts, including block, in a 1991 car, parts can be dated before the year model of the car, but not later than.

You could hunt down the casting date on the block, and compare it to the build date of your car.
So long as the casting date of the block is before the build date by at least a couple weeks, you can narrow down if the block is wrong. You can never tell it is 'right' though, without the VIN. You can just narrow it down to likely, but not positive.
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 6, 2012
#11
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #11
I think CarFax will show a dealer serviced engine too...
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 6, 2012
#12
  • Dec 6, 2012
  • #12
Not always. It's hit or miss what carfax shows. My daily driver has had dealer warranty work that isn't on carfax.


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 7, 2012
#13
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #13
Another problem.....The 91 GT that the engine come out of was totaled 5 years ago. I bought the engine,being that it was the only thing unharmed from a rollover crash and fire. I've got an 87 5.0 liter GT 5 speed that I use for 1/8th mile duty,that's where the engine now resides.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 7, 2012
#14
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #14
I'm kinda confused. What's the problem? Why do you want to know?
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 7, 2012
#15
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #15
No numbers behind the engine mount either. This is why I'm completely in the dark on it. I've got so many different year parts in the engine while rebuilding it,I guess it really doesn't matter. Was just looking for clarification,had never seen a "not so defining" block from Ford before. Ran into this problem on a 5.7 liter project a few years back. A buddy built a 95 V8 S10 the block(factory roller) had the same issues(No defining #'s), upon further research it was determined that it was a Canadian replacement long block,and that's what you got. And I know my engine IS NOT Canadian!!!
 

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 7, 2012
#16
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #16
There is no problem I want to know because I've never seen a block without any identifying marks!! And YOU'RE confused!!! LOL
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 7, 2012
#17
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #17
Nope, not Canadian.
302s were built in Cleveland.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Dec 7, 2012
#18
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #18
Maybe i'm confused since I wouldnt expect there to be more marks on the block. The only marks I know of are the casting numbers which you have pics of, and a partial VIN. That's really it. There might be XXX or YYY in the valley, but the meanings of these are unknown as well.

Even the T-5 transmission has a partial VIN on it if it's a factory trans.

But lots of times these numbers rust over and obscure and nobody sees them. But for the most parts, there's not a whole lot you can do to identify an engine, especially one 20+ years old where who knows what has been replaced. Engineering part numbers can be confusing too because the digit doesn't always signify the year of production. As we all know, E7 years could come brand new on a 1993 Mustang, so they certainly aren't 1987 heads.
 
Reactions: Chuckies-Warhorse and ratio411

Chuckies-Warhorse

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
1
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dec 7, 2012
#19
  • Dec 7, 2012
  • #19
Is it a myth that XXX blocks have a higher nickel content in their casting than the YYY blocks making them stronger?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T5 identification
  • 3054tony
  • May 16, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
25
Views
342
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 20, 2026
AeroCoupe
A
Help ID - Turbo GT, SVO differences
  • aldoelmalo
  • Jun 2, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
59
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 2, 2026
aldoelmalo
A
G
New Owner: Very Clean 1991 GT Convertible. All original with 21k original Miles. How to make it better?
  • gvanginkel403
  • Oct 30, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
31
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 17, 2025
Jarhead67
J
T
Newbie looking for some info on speedo gears
  • TDM389
  • Nov 15, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
224
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 16, 2025
TDM389
T
Fox Block Decode
  • PonyGTrider
  • Jun 9, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
59
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
PonyGTrider
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?